Malformações em pequenos ruminantes no Semiárido da Bahia causados por Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul) L.P Queiroz

Abstract

The Northeastern semi-arid region is quite unique because of its climate and its vegetation. Among the economic activities carried out in this scenery, goat and sheep farming deserves attention. This activity is based on the extensive regimen of creation. In this system the main source of animal feed is the free access to native vegetation, but many of these plants are toxic.. Previous studies, promoted by the Setor de patologia Veterinária (Veterinary Pathology Sector) of the Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (Federal University of the Recôncavo da Bahia) (SPV-UFRB), analyzed an outbreak of malformations in small ruminants in the semi-arid region of Bahia. The results of the analyzes indicated Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul) L.P Queiroz as a new plant with embryotoxic and teratogenic capacity. The present work intends to report the experimental studies that confirmed the toxicity of P.pyramidalis in goats and sheep. The experiment in goats used 16 animals, mixed or purebred of Anglo Nubian and Saanen, belonging to a property in the Uuaá region, divided into two groups of 8 animals. Mating was held and ultrasound monitoring of pregnancy was performed. The first group (G1) was fed exclusively from P. pyramidalis, and the second (G2), with Cynodon dactylon. The goats of both groups had confirmed gestation during the experiment. In Group 1, four goats sustained gestation for more than 60 days, but only three had normal calving. One of the goats with confirmed pregnancy of this group (70 days of pregnancy) died during the experiment, of unknown cause, but their fetuses were evaluated and presented malformations of the eyeball and the bones of the head consistent with micrognathia. The other three goats gave birth to six goats in total, three of which presented bone malformations in limbs (bilateral arthrogryposis), vertebral column (thoracic scoliosis), ribs, sternum, head, and severe malformations of the maxilla and mandible. Three kids apparently were born normal two of those died in the first week of life. The other four goats in group 1 had embryonic losses. In Group 2 (control) all goats parted, a total of 13 kids, and none presented malformations. In kids with severe malformations maceration was used for better evaluation. Experiments with sheep are still in progress to the present date, but partial data demonstrate the potential toxicity teratogenic effect of the plant for sheep, with cases of malformations and embryonic losses. Thus, through with experimental studies, the toxicity of P. pyramidalis can be proved for small ruminants.